School's started, and Greeks are preparing for the Spring semester ahead.
And although the semester normally would begin with a Spring Rush, it's been canceled for this semester.
U of M Women's Pan-Hellenic Council president Amber Withers said Spring Rush would take too much effort.
"It would be easier for all the chapters to find new members privately," Withers said.
Many of the Greek chapters are holding "Continuous Open Bidding" parties and privately selecting members.
However, despite not having Rush, Greeks say they're still working hard on plans for the new semester.
Not only have several Greek-wide philanthropies been planned, but events involving the entire campus have been arranged as well.
The first event planned for The University is a scheduled lecture by Lawrence C. Ross, renowned author of the book "The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities."
Ross, who will speak Thursday, Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. in the University Center's Faulkner Lounge, will discuss the history behind the nine African-American fraternities and sororities as well as the importance of community service. There will also be a book signing following the presentation.
"The reason we wanted to have Mr. Ross come and speak was to let the campus know that if we want to lead the community, we need to do it together, not separately," Pan-Hellenic Council President Sherrie Lyons said. "We also thought it would be a positive and inspirational way to start the semester."
Representatives from the Pan-Hellenic Council, the Women's Pan-Hellenic Council and the Interfraternity Council organized Ross' visit and said they are planning for more speakers to visit The U of M before the semester is up.
Greeks have also scheduled two philanthropies this semester.
Proceeds from the "Polar Bear Plunge," which involves members of each fraternity and sorority diving into an ice-cold lake at Shelby Farms Jan. 27, will go to the Special Olympics.
"Follies," which will take place in April, involves teams from different chapters putting together skits and entertainment. All are invited to attend and ticket sales will go to help finance a Greek scholarship fund.
